JAMAICAN/CARIBBEAN ARROGANCE
CarloG1106
In article <521nr9$b...@bubba.NMSU.Edu>, cm...@nmsu.edu (C. MUIR) writes:
>For example, we have
>prime ministers, police chiefs, lawyers, doctors etc. who look like us.
You also have dollar bills and coins fashioned to your likeness. You have
the colour of money, you guys really live in the land of milk and honey.
Black Jacobin
Timbuktu, Mali
ptho...@hookup.net
What passes for arrogance in many West Indians is a simple, if forcefully presented,
desire to be differentiated from the "others." As a Trinidadian when I first left (almost 20
years ago) for England I was often offended (nearly to the point of physical violence) when
asked what part of Jamaica I was from. I would say I was from Trinidad and I'd get asked:
"Is that near Jamaica?" How the hell could a nation of such idiots have ruled the world?
Moving to canada: same khaki pants--more idiots!
The only problem I have with Jamaicans is that there are simply too many of them--no offence
meant. The cultural weight of Jamaica is such that everyone else from the West Indies becomes
either subsidiary to, or simply part of, Jamaica: to most outsiders Jamaica IS the West Indies.
There is also the power of myth and stereotypes. As an example: Jamaican Posse. What do you
think of when you hear that? How often have you heard that? Trinidadian Posse--when you stop
laughing at the thought, why have you never heard this? Are Trinidadians less violent? The same
associations tend to take hold with other cultural stereotypes--Jamaican's are agressive, arrogant,
homophobic, misogynistic, ignorant, violent etc. (At least that's what I've heard--and I hardly believe
any of it). Trinidadians are...relaxed (I can't think of anything else). Bajans are wannabe Englishmen etc.
And nobody cares about the rest of the small-islanders!
Can you imagine a Trinidadian calling anybody a small-islander?!
Are Jamaicans arrogant? Perhaps, but never in a spiteful way. Are Jamaicans nationalistic? Sure, but
so too are Trinis, Bajans and everyone else. As a Trini you will never hear me saying anything good
about Jamaica, or anywhere else, without saying something better about Trinidad--or if I can't say something
better I'll add something worse about the other place: The beaches are better in Jamaica--but the ones in Trinidad
are safer. Get used to it--this too is West Indian culture!
In reply to Mr. Muir
> Jamaicans have an added "arrogance" because of their history. We have
> tended to be very outspoken about our feelings and perceptions, which I
> think has made for a good name in the Caribbean communities in some
> places but left a bit of jealousy in others.
And any equally bad name. Also, jealousy about what?
> When Colin Powell says "Trust me," he's is being a typical Jamaican...
I rather think he is being more a politician than a Jamaican!
Regards,
Philip Thomson
Waterloo, Ontario
P.S. If you hear anything bad about Trinis don't include me: I'm really from Tobago!
kben...@cris.com
>Kirt, initially you were somewhat annonying but I think your posts are
>worthwhile. You clearly display an interest (albeit combative, it seems)
>in Caribbean culture which goes beyond the usual "Hail up all Bajans"
>posts that I've complained about. I am intrigued with the idea of
>caribbean islands trying to take the "arrogance crown."
>
>I think it has a lot to do with our sense of place - we are small islands
>(except for Jamaica which is a continent to the rest of them, :) and we
>value our ground. We have been relatively independent (and poor) when
>compared to say, minorities in the United States. For example, we have
>prime ministers, police chiefs, lawyers, doctors etc. who look like us. I
>am always fascinated by American associates who point out that my family
>must be proud that I reach "so far in life." I think, yes, that my
>relatives are proud but not overwhelmed; they happen to have their own
>achievements that even outshine mine, in their estimation. In other
>words, I don't belong to the "first in the family" syndrome.
>
I liken my own upbringing to your example. My granfather was the
governor of the Bay Islands off the coast of Honduras. The islands were
British until 1860. However, the British influence is still prevalent as
most of the people on the island speak english instead of spanish.
Most of my acolades and successes were expectations and not surprises.
In fact my father would always tell his children to never become fully
American. His philosiphy was the Americans become content to easily and
fail to recognize opportunities. While I am first generation American, I
love that I have a connection to my Honduran and Caymanian roots. They
help to explain what makes me tick and why I am who I am. My question
to the newsgroup was a continueum of that quest.
>Jamaicans have an added "arrogance" because of their history. We have
>tended to be very outspoken about our feelings and perceptions, which I
>think has made for a good name in the Caribbean communities in some
>places but left a bit of jealousy in others. When Colin Powell says
>"Trust me," he's is being a typical Jamaican. (Think "don't worry, man"
>or "alright, man" etc.).
>
This is what I was looking for. An answer with some support for your
reasoning.
>I think we have taken a lot of these attitudes for granted but there are
>real anthropological/sociological/orsomelogical reasons for this which
>might be worth exploring in academic research. That would also help to
>move the understanding of Caribbean people beyond the stereotypes that are
>often invoked.
>
>Keep talking, Kirt, ain't nobody else doing it.
>
>Clive Muir
>NMSU in dah desert
Thanks for your response. I finally feel like I'm getting somewhere.
You kinda made me feel like I don't have to post anymore questions on
this subject. I had no agenda. Thanks for recognizing that.
By the way are you at New Mexico State? My alma mater, LSU will trounce
them this Saturday in Baton Rouge. :)
Peace,
Kirt
Machete
C. MUIR wrote:
>
> : kben...@cris.com wrote:
> : : >I beg your pardon, I think Bajan's are the most arrogant of them all.
> : : >And proud of it!
>
> : : What are Bajan's ?
>
> Bajans mean "Barbadians or people from Barbados"
>
> CLive MUir
Ahem.
Being a Bahamian and usually above this sort of drivel, I have watched
this discussion unfold from the sidelines. I am compelled to point out
a few things.
1) While Jamaica has a proud history, it is nothing compared to the
history of Haiti (an much more desolate island), and quite frankly, not
enough upon which to base any sort of national pride. Particularly in
light of the fact that Jamaica until recently was not an liberated
nation, and under the power of a dictator.
2) That is partially, but not entirely, responsible for the utter misery
of the ghetto life that most Jamaicans suffer their entire lives. And I
won't even get into the level of corruption that exists throughout all
levels of government (and to be fair, this is true in most nations to
varying degrees).
3) That miserable existence drove many Jamaicans to settle in other
countries to earn decent livings at their chosen profession. During
that time, Jamaicans earned a reputation for confrontational behaviour,
rudeness, and untrustworthiness. Whether or not such a reputation was
fairly earned, it certainly has persisted to this day.
4) I believe that many Jamaicans have an inflated view of themselves
because of the popularity of aspects of and things associated with the
Rastafari culture, whether it be music, marijuana, clothing, symbolism,
haistyles, etc. Many Jamaicans allow the ignorance of outsiders, who
tend to associate Jamaicans and Rastafarians on some levels, to seep
into their own thinking. In other words, they believe their own press.
I question the wisdom of allowing one's self-image to be predicated
largely on what amounts to the ignorance of others.
5) If the intent is to have Jamaicans defend themselves for arrogance
toward Americans .... well, let me say that you will then need to attack
every other Caribbean nation.
Let me conclude by pointing out that although there is much to be said
about pride in one's heritage, this line of discussion has no inherent
value, and is rather pointless. There are so many cross-linked families
and bloodline across the Caribbean Nations (yes, even Haiti), that to
disparage one is to disparage all. The originator should be ashamed to
have raised the issue, in my opinion, and I recommend that in the future
he or she find more relevant topics in which to partake.
A Bahamian
kben...@cris.com
Machete <sh...@polaris.net> wrote:
>5) If the intent is to have Jamaicans defend themselves for arrogance
>toward Americans .... well, let me say that you will then need to attack
>every other Caribbean nation.
That was not the intent.
>
>Let me conclude by pointing out that although there is much to be said
>about pride in one's heritage, this line of discussion has no inherent
>value, and is rather pointless.
Yet you dignify it with a lengthy response?
There are so many cross-linked families
>and bloodline across the Caribbean Nations (yes, even Haiti), that to
>disparage one is to disparage all. The originator should be ashamed to
>have raised the issue, in my opinion, and I recommend that in the future
>he or she find more relevant topics in which to partake.
>
>A Bahamian
There is no shame in my game. As I said earlier, when in doubt, ask.
Thanks for your input anyway.
Kirt
ita
Machete (sh...@polaris.net) wrote:
:
: 1) While Jamaica has a proud history, it is nothing compared to the
: history of Haiti (an much more desolate island), and quite frankly, not
: enough upon which to base any sort of national pride. Particularly in
: light of the fact that Jamaica until recently was not an liberated
: nation, and under the power of a dictator.
What right has anyone to say that one country or another has no basis for
*any* sort of national pride? That seems either wilfully ignorant or
deliberately inflammatory. However wonderful Haiti's history may or may
not be, it cannot remove a Jamaican's reasons for pride.
And please enlighten me on the dictatorship. I must have missed that. It's
very easy to miss stuff like that.
/\ i...@sojourn.com
/()\ http://www.sojourn.com/~ita/
/_||_\ "None but ourselves can free our minds." Nesta Marley
ita
Machete (sh...@polaris.net) wrote:
:
: Being a Bahamian and usually above this sort of drivel, I have watched
: this discussion unfold from the sidelines. I am compelled to point out
: a few things.
< reasons why Jamacans should not be proud, much less arrogant>
My sister had a couple things to say :
If you get a chance, just communicate to Mr Bahamas that Jamaicans have
been arrogant since before ganja, Rastas etc. My historical research has
shown that, OK? And give us a little credit: if there's one thing we've
been fairly good at it's creating at least a semi-autonomous identity
(viz Rastafarianism, dancehall etc).
Meaning, I don't think we allow others' opinions of us to make much
headway on our identity.
Jamaicans abroad are as far as I know, also known for their incredible
drive and success occupationally, especially in the US. Many firms would
rather hire a person from the Caribbean (and most being from JA) than a
black AMerican, cos they figure they'll get a better day's work out of
them.
But I do agree with Mr Bahamas that the discussion is really not
important and a waste of good cyberspace.
Wallacsj
I do not embrace, support, or tolerate generalizations. Treat each person
that you meet as a new person, there is no need to put a label on a
certain group. My girlfriend is a Jamaican and her whole being is the
antithesis of arrogance. I believe that if you asked any person in a
country to the south of us which peoples are the most arrogant they would
say americans/gringos/whities...etc... What is the point? Treat each
person without prior perceptions and you will have an easier time meeting
and getting along with people. I will now get off of my high horse.
Scott Wallace
talk2me1
This person from the Bahamas comes across as rather snotty. Really, at
least Jamaica is an independent country. Bahamas is essentially the
backside of the USA. If not for tourism it would be nothing. They don't
grow or produce anything.
Machete <sh...@polaris.net> wrote:
>C. MUIR wrote:
>>
>> : kben...@cris.com wrote:
>> : : >I beg your pardon, I think Bajan's are the most arrogant of them all.
>> : : >And proud of it!
>>
>> : : What are Bajan's ?
>>
>> Bajans mean "Barbadians or people from Barbados"
>>
>> CLive MUir
>
>Ahem.
>
>Being a Bahamian and usually above this sort of drivel, I have watched
>this discussion unfold from the sidelines. I am compelled to point out
>a few things.
>
>1) While Jamaica has a proud history, it is nothing compared to the
>history of Haiti (an much more desolate island), and quite frankly, not
>enough upon which to base any sort of national pride. Particularly in
>light of the fact that Jamaica until recently was not an liberated
>nation, and under the power of a dictator.
>
>2) That is partially, but not entirely, responsible for the utter misery
>of the ghetto life that most Jamaicans suffer their entire lives. And I
>won't even get into the level of corruption that exists throughout all
>levels of government (and to be fair, this is true in most nations to
>varying degrees).
>
>3) That miserable existence drove many Jamaicans to settle in other
>countries to earn decent livings at their chosen profession. During
>that time, Jamaicans earned a reputation for confrontational behaviour,
>rudeness, and untrustworthiness. Whether or not such a reputation was
>fairly earned, it certainly has persisted to this day.
>
>4) I believe that many Jamaicans have an inflated view of themselves
>because of the popularity of aspects of and things associated with the
>Rastafari culture, whether it be music, marijuana, clothing, symbolism,
>haistyles, etc. Many Jamaicans allow the ignorance of outsiders, who
>tend to associate Jamaicans and Rastafarians on some levels, to seep
>into their own thinking. In other words, they believe their own press.
>I question the wisdom of allowing one's self-image to be predicated
>largely on what amounts to the ignorance of others.
>
>5) If the intent is to have Jamaicans defend themselves for arrogance
>toward Americans .... well, let me say that you will then need to attack
>every other Caribbean nation.
>
>Let me conclude by pointing out that although there is much to be said
>about pride in one's heritage, this line of discussion has no inherent
>value, and is rather pointless. There are so many cross-linked families
Godfrey A. Whyte
Wallacsj wrote:
> What is the point? Treat each
> person without prior perceptions and you will have an easier time meeting
> and getting along with people. I will now get off of my high horse.
>
> Scott Wallace
Well said!! All these facile generalisations are being made by people who
no doubt, have not lived in other Caribbean countries apart from their
own.
If Powell is being a typical Jamaican by saying "Trust me", how did
Stokely Carmichael show that he is a typical Trinidadian? Or Farrakhan,
Rap Brown, etc. for that matter.
Once you're black and in North America, who the hell cares which lil
"island paradise" you're from?
It is unfair to associate Jamaicans with criminality because of the
activites of a small minority. Classes in "assertiveness" are available
to all those who find any one group more assertive than another. You need
it here if you haven't yet realised that.
Black slaves didn't have a choice about where they were sent. It was
dangerous for Europeans everywhere to have too many slaves of the same
ethnicity. Ashanti and Yoroba influence are seen in Jamaica. This crap
about "fiercest tribe" or whatever, is more a reflection of how we have
been programmed to think of Africa and to associate Blacks, in particular
with violence.
Some people never see through divide and rule tactics.
Nuff said,
Godfrey
Rich Thompson
On 26 Sep 1996, talk2me1 wrote:
> This person from the Bahamas comes across as rather snotty. Really, at
> least Jamaica is an independent country. Bahamas is essentially the
> backside of the USA. If not for tourism it would be nothing. They don't
> grow or produce anything.
Without defending mr. Machete, you are wrong. Banking is at least as
important to the Bahamas economy as is tourism.
Aad, as far as bing the backside of the USA- if you can't tell the
difference between a Bahamian and an ass(oops-) American, you have a
problem.
Peace,
Rich
Richard Thompson
Dept. of Psychology
McGill University
1205 Dr. Penfield Ave
Montreal P.Q.
H3A 1B1
"A man who is master of himself can end a sorrow as easily as he can invent
a pleasure"
-Oscar Wilde
Alana
Rich Thompson wrote:
>
> On 26 Sep 1996, talk2me1 wrote:
>
> > This person from the Bahamas comes across as rather snotty. Really, at
> > least Jamaica is an independent country. Bahamas is essentially the
> > backside of the USA. If not for tourism it would be nothing. They don't
> > grow or produce anything.
>
> Without defending mr. Machete, you are wrong. Banking is at least as
> important to the Bahamas economy as is tourism.
> Aad, as far as bing the backside of the USA- if you can't tell the
> difference between a Bahamian and an ass(oops-) American, you have a
> problem.
>
Just had to answer! I read somewhere that many blacks in the Bahamas
are descended from Blacks who were transported by slaveowners from the
Carolinas. If that is the case, then maybe there isn't much difference?
I also read (on the language listing) that Gullah has a 60 or so percent
intelligibilty with Bahamian (creole) English. SOmething to make you
think, maybe?
This is NOT a flame! I just have a knack for finding the more than a
few similarities between American and Caribbean Blacks. We had
different colonizers/masters, and it's a shame, because I think now
we're often pitted against one another.
Alana
Kevin McCormick
This has been a real interesting thread to listen to ...
I am somewhat amazed, ( and encouraged ) that it has dealt with topic that could so
easily explode into flames, but instead has served its purpose of open communication.
It reminds me that the perception of arrogance, or any personality trait for that
matter is quite cultural and subjective. It could just as easily be a thread about
French, English, American, Western, Christian .....
Your same,
Kevin
http://users.aol.com/jamzen
kben...@cris.com
>5) If the intent is to have Jamaicans defend themselves for arrogance
>toward Americans .... well, let me say that you will then need to attack
>every other Caribbean nation.
That was not the intent and there was no attack.
this line of discussion has no inherent
>value, and is rather pointless. There are so many cross-linked families
>and bloodline across the Caribbean Nations (yes, even Haiti), that to
>disparage one is to disparage all. The originator should be ashamed to
>have raised the issue, in my opinion, and I recommend that in the future
>he or she find more relevant topics in which to partake.
>
>A Bahamian
NO shame in my game. The fact that dialogue has grown as a result of the
original post and that fact that you dignified this psot with your 2
cents invalidates your contention that it has no inherent value.
Kirt
kben...@cris.com
Thank you for really responding. I appreciate your input.
Kirt
kben...@cris.com
>
>Just look who your ally is, the racist, talk2me, who had a heading
>claiming how f##$ed up Blacks were. Stange company. Strange agenda.
>
>To disparage one is to disparage all. Glad that most of us realised this
>and did not indulge in the narrow insular antagonistic postings that you
>wanted to be entertained by. Toussaint L'Ouverture, Paul Bogle, Cuffy,
>Nat Turner, etc. would have been proud.
>
>Find relevant topics instead of constantly striving to undermine.
>
Godfrey,
Get a life!
I could care less if someone agrees or disagrees with me. I asked a
question because I wanted to learn. You could have given insight.
Instead you choose to stand on the sidelines in disgust.
Lead, follow or get the heck out of the way.
The fact that this post has gone on this long debunks your "relevant
topics" viewpoint.
Kirt
talk2me1
Godfrey A Whyte....Such a saintly twit. I bet he thinks his shit don't
stink.
"Godfrey A. Whyte" <gwh...@sympatico.ca> wrote:
>>
>> Kirt
rsal...@idirect.com
Machete <sh...@polaris.net> wrote:
>Ahem.
>5) If the intent is to have Jamaicans defend themselves for arrogance
>toward Americans .... well, let me say that you will then need to attack
>every other Caribbean nation.
>Let me conclude by pointing out that although there is much to be said
>about pride in one's heritage, this line of discussion has no inherent
>value, and is rather pointless. There are so many cross-linked families
>and bloodline across the Caribbean Nations (yes, even Haiti), that to
>disparage one is to disparage all. The originator should be ashamed to
>have raised the issue, in my opinion, and I recommend that in the future
>he or she find more relevant topics in which to partake.
>A Bahamian
This sounds like sour grapes from someone who has no national pride
or does not know enough of his history to have any pride.
Haiti is a country that has had a remarkable history but if you
research that history did enought you will see that a Jamaican slave
called Bookman played a very inportant role in their independence.
Perhaps of you geographical isolation not only form the rest of the
West Indies but within you own country (note Bahamas is a chain of
over 700 wee island spread out all over the Atlantic) , you cannot
fathom the idea that a proud black nation exist and is thriving.
A proud Jamaican
assu...@cc.memphis.edu
In article <52bfkd$h...@tkhut.sojourn.com>, i...@sojourn.com (ita) writes:
> Machete (sh...@polaris.net) wrote:
> :
> : Being a Bahamian and usually above this sort of drivel, I have watched
> : this discussion unfold from the sidelines. I am compelled to point out
> : a few things.
>
>
> My sister had a couple things to say :
>
> If you get a chance, just communicate to Mr Bahamas that Jamaicans have
> been arrogant since before ganja, Rastas etc. My historical research has
> shown that, OK? And give us a little credit: if there's one thing we've
> been fairly good at it's creating at least a semi-autonomous identity
> (viz Rastafarianism, dancehall etc).
>
> Meaning, I don't think we allow others' opinions of us to make much
> headway on our identity.
>
> Jamaicans abroad are as far as I know, also known for their incredible
> drive and success occupationally, especially in the US. Many firms would
> rather hire a person from the Caribbean (and most being from JA) than a
> black AMerican, cos they figure they'll get a better day's work out of
> them.
>
Is it just me or by saying tha above statement you just proved his point that
Jamaicans are arrogant? I don't think Jamaicans are arrogant your statement
sound like one. Like many other immigrants the middle and upper class
of the Jamaicans come to the States and therefore your comparison does not
hold true.
Ali
Richard A. Gibbs
I am going to add my two cents to this discussion with a twist to the rest
of the subject. This was "Don't worry Trinidad, you are not far behind."
I am Trinidadian. I am proud to be Trinidadian. I have our flag in my
room at school. It is on my car. I listen to Soca and Calypso (no matter
what island it is from, yes I think Trinidad Calypso is the best)
constantly. If you want to call it arrogant fine. That is your
perogative. I do not put down nor think less of any of the other islands
in the Caribbean. We all have our role to play and own contribution to the
culture of the Caribbean. My roommate is Jamaican. I do not find him
arrogant at all. (maybe it is because we are both arrogant) He jokes
about me wishing I came from Jamaica and I do the same to him about
Trinidad. No harm done. I like it better than the Americans I have lived
with.
At my school, there are a lot of foreign students. One of the jokes that
went around was this...
Why do Americans walk around Costa Rica like they own the place? Because
they do own the place. (You could probably put any country here except for
the end. Americans think they own or could own everyplace.)
If you really want to talk about arrogance, I think Americans are the worst
in the world. My roommate
talk2me1
Generalising that all Americans are arrogant is just as bad as saying
all black people are on welfare, etc, etc..you know the rest.
Gravette Brown
Obviously you have never been to the Bahamas. It constantly amazes me
how people who know nothing about a place can make such disparaging
statements about it. It only serves as an example of your ignorance. If
you wished to disagree with the gentleman's viewpoint why was it
necessary to insult a country, and a people who you have no knowledge of.
The only thing you have shown you know about the Bahamas is that you know
how to spell it. Instead of making an educated statement you simply come
off sounding jealous and resentful, not to mention stupid.
Gravette Brown
Gravette Brown
>This person from the Bahamas comes across as rather snotty. Really, at
>least Jamaica is an independent country. Bahamas is essentially the
>backside of the USA. If not for tourism it would be nothing. They don't
>grow or produce anything.
>
>>C. MUIR wrote:
>>>
>>> : kben...@cris.com wrote:
>>> : : >I beg your pardon, I think Bajan's are the most arrogant of them all.
>>> : : >And proud of it!
>>>
>>> : : What are Bajan's ?
>>>
>>> Bajans mean "Barbadians or people from Barbados"
>>>
>>> CLive MUir
>>
>>Ahem.
>>
>>this discussion unfold from the sidelines. I am compelled to point out
>>a few things.
>>
Gravette Brown
Richard A. Gibbs
I know not all Americans are arrogant ( just a majority 8^) ). So
change the wording of the sentence to say some Americans.
Richard A. Gibbs <rgi...@vt.edu> wrote in article
<01bbaee4$fc86f4a0$675a...@forte.engr.vt.edu>...
> I am going to add my two cents to this discussion with a twist to the
rest
> of the subject. This was "Don't worry Trinidad, you are not far behind."
> If you really want to talk about arrogance, I think " some " Americans
are the worst
^^^^^^^^
> in the world.
RCruick867
Kirk, after reading all those replies and your responses to them, I can't
help
but feel that you get off on pushing buttons on people.
Don't get me wrong now... your question does have merit (regardless of
your original intent, i.e. for information gathering or to intentionally
stimulate discussion for every and and any perspective) and as such
requires an intelligent and informative answer.
Being a Jamaican myself, but having spending just about my entire adult
life in the U.S., I have ran across some ignorant folks that ask ignorant
questions like "Do y'all still live in tree?" or "Is there running water
and electricity in Jamaica?".
Now tell me, how does one answer questions like that and keep a straight
face or not respond ignorantly in kind? ( Of course doing the latter would
make one appear arrogant, but can you blame us?)
Most of the Americans that I have met have a healthy curiosity about
Jamaica, it's people and culture, while others have listened to
stereotypical
views of others about Jamaicans, their ganja smoking (read drugs), the
gangland wars involving Jamaicans and such. For the latter group, I can't
but feel sorry and some pity for. Because instead of reading and trying to
discover the truth, they rely on hearsay, and the negative info on the
news
which seems sadly to put all Jamaicans one package.
As for the previous group, of which I am tentatively including you in, I
am more than happy to answer intelligently posed questions, whether they
were intend to ruffle some feathers or not.
I have never considered myself arrogant, just self-assured, educated and
confident in who I am and my abilities. Now, some people may read that as
arrogant. Well to each his own. Everybody has the inherent right to
formulate/draw his or her own conclusion/opinion. It just seems to me
that when ever some non-american (read immigrant, alien or what term in is
vogue now) strive to better themselves, there is always somebody who will
try to bring them down off of some perceived high horse.
My parents worked hard and came to the U.S. They thought that life would
be better here. But to tell the truth, and this might ruffle some
feathers, life is actually not better, just somewhat easier. The two are
often-times confused no doubt. Education in Jamaica (and the Caribbean in
general) I found was more advanced in the earlier stages of development
than in the U.S. when looking at comparable grade levels. While in high
school,I actually felt like I was in a review session in some of my
classes because most of the subjects were ones that I already covered in
an earlier grade in Jamaica. Needless to say, I got labled with terms
like teacher's pet and book-worm. Don't get me wrong, I received
invaluable education in the higher instutions, but sometimes I can't help
but wondering how much more I would've learned if I had been allowed to
complete school in Jamaica.
Well, to make a long story short (probably too late already), the majority
of Jamaicans that I have come in contact with are a confident and proud
people who really don't take shit from other people. Of course you are
going to run into ignorant, uneducated ones with attitudes and that is
true of any culture (just ready the reply for Rickey or the snotty
Bahamian). I guess you can't make the comments of one person be indicative
of everyone belonging to the same culture, but they do make it hard, don't
they? Yeah there are Jamaicans who fit in this category also...
All I really want to say is that before you pose another question like
that, make that you are not being all inclusive, because a similiar
question can be posted about Americans, i.e., American Ignorance About
Foriegn Culture, why is so prevalent?.
Have you tried attending some of our festivals or any Caribbean festivals?
Try it man, and I guarantee that you will meet Jamaicans and other West
Indians that are proud of their culture and respective of where they are.
Hey, if you really want more info, drop me a line, I will hook you up with
some links to other Jamaican/West Indian sights. That way you can
experience first hand my people and our proud heritage. When you have
finished learning more, if you still want to tag us as being arrogant, I
will reiterate... everybody has the inherent right to formulate/draw his
or her own opinions/conclusion.
Peace out and 'Nuf Respect!!!!
SirShank
Gal Gizada
Dis yute fi real is one ignorant rass hole. Di yute neva come a de island
at all. Nuh even know bout de culture and massive. But a so it go still
when yuh culture dominate de region.
jeanau...@yahoo.com
> In article <521nr9$b...@bubba.NMSU.Edu>, cm...@nmsu.edu (C. MUIR) writes:
>
> >For example, we have
> >prime ministers, police chiefs, lawyers, doctors etc. who look like us.
>
> You also have dollar bills and coins fashioned to your likeness. You have
> the colour of money, you guys really live in the land of milk and honey.
>
> Black Jacobin
> Timbuktu, Mali